Club's Proposed Giant Logo Cut Down In Compromise

CORAL SPRINGS - — After months of arguing with city officials, Q The Sports Club has won its battle to hang a giant Q on the wall of its planned building.

But Q club representatives considered the ruling a defeat because they had lobbied to erect a 12-foot brass Q.

The City Commission on Tuesday decided to allow the Q to be 6 feet 6 inches, which is about twice the height permitted by city code.

The 3-2 vote came after commissioners agonized over whether they should break with the city's tradition of permitting only conservative signs.

While some said it was a good compromise, it didn't satisfy Jim Oberdorfer, who represented the club.

"We would much rather have had our 12-foot logo," he said after the vote. "It really will be very hard to see. It's going to be a speck on the wall."

Oberdorfer argued unsuccessfully that the city's sign code was inconsistent because while the proposed sign was taller than permitted, its overall area is less than allowed.

He also argued that the Q should be considered a sculpture, not a sign.

Several commissioners agreed.

"I don't know why we're making it so difficult for this particular business," said Commissioner Maureen Berk, who voted against the compromise. "They are being creative...what's wrong with being creative?'' Vice Mayor Alan Polin, who also voted against the smaller Q, agreed.

"They're proposing to create artwork," he said. "I'm a strong proponent of public art."

But others were cautious.

Mayor John Sommerer said he didn't want to set a precedent that would open the door for other businesses to demand to be permitted to erect giant logos.

"I'm uncomfortable with such a large departure from the past," he said.

To improve the visibility of the business, the compromise called for the club to have a ground sign, which also would otherwise not be allowed.

The new fitness center is to cost $5 million and was to open this fall, though construction has been put on hold because of delays caused by the new hurricane code, Oberdorfer said.